Reply #117: Are you aware that most of the Christmas traditions come from Paganism? [View All]

[kayell]

To say that because one visits with family at Christmas, one is Christian is ridiculous.

Am I a Christian simply because my mother is? My father isn't, and has almost never attended church. My mother for years attended Unitarian services, which may or may not be Christian. My ancestors on my fathers side were Catholic, and I've gone to Catholic services at family reunions. Does that make me Catholic? My distant ancestors would have been Celtic Pagans, and there is probably more pagan influence in my life now than anything else. Does that make me a Pagan? I went to a Quaker high school, and have enjoyed going to meeting. Does that make me Quaker? My ex was Jewish, and we celebrated both Jewish and Christian holidays from a secular standpoint. When I was a kid I used to play the dreidel game with the neighbors at Hanukkah. Does that mean I'm a bit Jewish? I've had one heck of a good time celebrating Holi (paint and dye and water everywhere!) Does that make me Hindu?

You all can try to define me or others anyway you want, but it doesn't make it so.